Cyprus records high levels of land desertification in EU

A report published by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) on Monday, August 3, 2026, reveals that 45% of land in Cyprus is currently under desertification conditions. This figure positions Cyprus as having one of the highest land degradation rates within the European Union, trailing only Spain, where 53% of the land is affected. Greece follows with 36%.

Beyond land metrics, Cyprus reports the highest percentage of its population living in areas suffering from desertification, affecting 61% of residents, or approximately 0.7 million people. Other countries with significant affected populations include Greece at 47%, Spain at 43%, Romania at 39%, and Bulgaria at 37%. The study, titled “Towards a better characterisation of land degradation and desertification in the European Union,” introduces an updated methodology for mapping these environmental threats across the bloc.

According to the report, land degradation is defined as a long-term reduction in the quality and productivity of soil resources. This phenomenon is driven by a combination of human activity and natural causes. Desertification is specifically classified as land degradation occurring in dry areas, though the broader issue of land degradation can impact diverse environments across the European Union.